by Mike Harmon

Updated: May 26, 2008, 4:33 PM EST 10 comments

add this RSS blog email print

You can play the match-up game against miserable offenses, look for inclement weather to help your cause (remember the Pittsburgh-Miami game in the monsoon last year?) or ride the hot unit. Of course, playing the schedule game can't be done until we've seen the good, bad and ugly of the current year, so it's best not to dismiss the position entirely.

Many fantasy owners will be gunshy about their defense after selecting the Bears, Ravens or Patriots early last season. Each offered its spectacular moments, but the returns were certainly not equal to their lofty draft slots. Others will dive head-first into the pool to be sure to procure their top squad, be it the Devin Hester-fueled Bears or the ever-efficient Patriots or the tantalizing Chargers. The Chargers head my list for 2008, but I've tossed another team into the mix of perennial heavyweights.

15. Tennessee Titans

The Titans made plenty of headlines this off-season as the Pacman story took many twists and turns before they finally consummated a deal with the Cowboys. Tennessee will move into 2008 with Michael Griffin and defensive back/return specialist Chris Carr assuming prominent roles in the secondary. The Titans generated consistent pressure on the line, with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth amassing 18 sacks between them. Tennessee generated 40 sacks overall, seventh in the NFL, and allowed just 92.4 rushing yards per game. A motivated Haynesworth is a run-stuffer extraordinaire. The team is also hoping for a return to form from "The Freak" Jevon Kearse, who begins his second term with the Titans. Keith Bulluck and David Thornton will take care of the middle, so a return to top of the total defense category (18.6 points per game) is likely.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars

Former linebacker Jack Del Rio built his team starting with the defense, and his unit did not disappoint in 2007. The Jaguars ranked 10th in total defense (19 points per game) while generating 37 sacks and 33 turnovers. The cornerbacks are aggressive, led by Rashean Mathis (slowed by injury in 2007), and first-round pick Reggie Nelson, who generated five interceptions. The Jaguars added Drayton Florence to provide depth in a secondary that was beset by injuries last year.

The team traded Marcus Stroud, but anticipates Rob Meier (signed a new deal) and John Henderson will continue to control the line of scrimmage, allowing tackling machine Mike Peterson to clean things up. The offense will certainly do their job to keep them fresh with sustained drives, and that portends to some strong fantasy days this year. You'll also benefit from MJD sprinting down the sidelines in the return game.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Every year, we wonder when the performance of the aging Tampa Bay defense will drop off of the proverbial map. Every year, the Buccaneers surprise us and rank among the league's better units. Last season, the Buccaneers ranked third in total defense, allowing just 16.9 points per game. That total was sparked primarily because of the unit's opportunistic ways. The Buccaneers generated 40 turnovers and ranked in the middle of the pack in sacks with 33. Ageless linebacker Derrick Brooks racked up over 100 tackles again. Ronde Barber anchors the secondary and will called upon to tutor rookie Aqib Talib. Talib is an aggressive corner who could help the Buccaneers rack up turnovers. The safeties will need to cover for him for those times that he misses, but he will be fun to watch.

12. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks certainly didn't need this off-season headache with star linebacker Lofa Tatupu. It's a distraction in what has been a rebuilding process for Mike Holmgren's squad. However, I don't believe that it will be an issue come September. Tatupu anchors a strong defense that has playmakers in the secondary and on the defensive line. Patrick Kerney ran at top speed last year, and his high motor yielded 14.5 sacks. Darryl Tapp and Jason Babin added 12 from the other defensive end slot. Marcus Trufant experienced his best season as a pro (in my opinion) as a result of this persistent pressure up front, and Julian Peterson nearly reached double-digit sacks for the second straight year as a pass-rushing specialist. The offense should be more cohesive this year and grind out more yards on the ground, resulting in a fresher defense that is ready to dominate in the fourth quarter.

11. Baltimore Ravens

The vaunted Baltimore defense struggled in 2007, as Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister missed a combined total of 18 games (obviously impacted by those injuries in several other games). The Ravens were unable to sustain a pass rush (24 sacks) and the less-experienced backups were exploited in the passing game. Most mind-boggling in watching Ravens games in 2007 was the fact that this unit generated far fewer turnovers than normal and forced just eight fumbles. However, Haloti Ngata (as in, nothing coming through the line) anchored the Ravens and their second-best run defense (79.3 yards per game). The incomparable Ray Lewis hopes for one more push from his unit, which returns pass rusher Terrell Suggs (five sacks) and master special teams player and defensive back Ed Reed. If the Ravens can stay healthy (a big if), they can return to the ranks of the elite. But, time's not on their side.

10. Philadelphia Eaglesh4

The Eagles made a splash in free agency by adding Samuel to their secondary. He'll team with Sheldon Brown and perhaps Lito Sheppard, whose situation is currently unresolved at the end of the first mini-camp. That's a pretty potent trio if you can get Sheppard to accept a reduced role after missing five games last year. Samuel was brought in to jumpstart a defense that produced only 21 turnovers last year. Despite the lack of "the big play," Philadelphia ranked ninth in total defense (18.8 points per game) and limited opposing rushers to 95.8 yards per game. The Eagles also tied for 10th in the NFL with 37 sacks.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Will the Steelers have Troy Polamalu available for a full season? The long-haired, hard-hitting safety makes this unit go, and their game elevates when he's on the field. With that said, the Steelers ranked second in total defense, allowing 16.8 points per game, even though Polamalu missed five games. The key to the Steelers' success was the dominance of Casey Hampton at the point of attack. The Steelers ranked third in run defense, allowing just 89.9 yards per game last season. Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff are banking on rapid growth from 2007 draft choices Lamarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, who figure to see significant playing time this year.

8. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had a potent defense in 2007, and the return of Dwight Freeney will only make them better this year. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

I'll be the first to admit that I expected the Colts to struggle following the departure of several defensive starters from their Super Bowl run. Instead, Indianapolis ranked first in total defense at 16.4 points per game. Teams could not solve the speed of this unit, and they continued to press on without the presence of Dwight Freeney up front. The team generated only 28 sacks last season, but still amassed 41 turnovers. Freeney is expected to return from his foot injury and terrorize opposing quarterbacks opposite Robert Mathis once again. They'll offer opportunities for the speedy and physical secondary, led by Bob Sanders. I'm still somewhat concerned about depth at defensive back, but they did the job last season.

7. Dallas Cowboys

Will Pacman Jones be available to play? Even if Roger Goodell keeps him stewing on the sidelines, the Dallas defense has ample playmakers to help fantasy owners. Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware combined for 26.5 sacks last season and the unit ranked third overall with 46. There's some concern about safety Roy Williams' stance against the 3-4 defense, but I suspect that things will be ironed out well in advance of training camp. Perhaps the most intriguing development this off-season was the addition of Zach Thomas, who eschewed retirement to join the contending Cowboys. Here's hoping for a full season of health for Thomas and no second-guessing his decision.

The Dallas offense should light up the scoreboard and offer more opportunities for this unit to bring a heavy pass rush. I'm excited about the prospect of Felix Jones working the return game. That is, unless Pacman gets to go to work.

6. New York Giants

Will he or won't he? That's the question hanging out there for Michael Strahan of the Super Bowl champion Giants. Strahan claims that he's made his decision ($$$), and the dominance of Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck (23 sacks between them) coupled with the return of Mathias Kiwanuka (returning from a broken leg) allows the Giants to let the future Hall of Famer take his time. The Giants fortified the secondary by re-signing safety Jermaine Butler and teaming him with hard-hitting first-round pick Kenny Phillips. New York led the NFL with 53 sacks last season and generated 29 turnovers (five touchdowns). This unit thrives on pressure and allows Antonio Pierce to clean up the remainder from his middle linebacker position. Combined with a strong return game (seventh in 2007), the Giants have the talent to rank among the top units once again.

5. Green Bay Packers

The Packers appeared on everyone's defensive "sleeper" list last year, and everything came together for a tremendous run in Brett Favre's final season. The defense produced 36 sacks and tied for sixth in total defense, yielding just 18.2 points per game (of course, taking the field against the struggling NFC Central offenses didn't hurt). There's some concern about the mileage on Al Harris and Charles Woodson, but they performed well and took advantage of heavy pressure from Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (21.5 sacks combined). Of course, having linebackers A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett roaming the middle of the field certainly doesn't hurt. Colin Cole will need to help stuff the run in place of the departed Corey Williams in order to generate those third-and-long situations which let Kampman and KGB go to work.

4. New England Patriots

The Patriots lost cornerback Asante Samuel this off-season, and will expect Ellis Hobbs and off-season acquisition Jason Webster to pick up the slack on the wings. New England's first-round pick in 2007, Brandon Meriweather, will also see more time in the secondary. Those concerned about the age of the linebacking corps watched Scott Pioli and company select Jerod Mayo in the first round to learn behind Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas. That's not a bad place to be.

The Patriots ranked fourth in total defense (17.1 points per game), ranked second with 47 sacks and generated 35 turnovers. The high-flying offense will allow the defense to pin its ears back and generate ample sacks and turnovers. The whole "best defense is a good offense" argument holds some truth, although this defense can hold its own. Watch Vince Wilfork figuratively swallow opposing rushers.

3. Chicago Bears

The Bears are in the news this off-season because of the contract squabbles of Brian Urlacher. The team took care of Alex Brown, re-signed Lance Briggs and continues to work on extending Tommie Harris' deal (he's in his final season under the current terms). Chicago fell to 16th in total defense last season (21.8 points per game) as the unit battled injuries, inconsistency and anemic offensive production (that horrific running game kept this unit on the field seemingly forever). The coaching staff is banking on healthy returns from Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown, who along with Urlacher's high motor, keep this unit going. Despite the injuries, Chicago ranked sixth in sacks with 41 and forced 36 turnovers. Don't forget. Even though Hester will become a full-time receiver this year, you're still getting the benefit of his jaw-dropping returns.

2. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings raised some eyebrows this off-season, and it's hard not to elevate them to the top of the NFC Central division as we hit the summer months. The team boasts one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the game, with sack master Jared Allen (15.5 sacks last year) joining Pat and Kevin Williams. They will play the 2008 season without Kenechi Udeze as he seeks medical treatment (we wish him well). This is an opportunistic defense that thrives on taking chances on the corners, and the pressure up front will generate Minnesota generated 38 sacks in 2007 before the addition of Allen and scored six defensive touchdowns. Remember, the Vikings also limited opposing rushers to 74.1 yards per game, setting up obvious passing downs and allowing the line to tee off (Allen is already salivating).

1. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers ranked fifth in total defense (17.8 points per game), generating huge pressure at the line of scrimmate (42 sacks, fifth in the NFL) and 46 turnovers. Ball-hawking Antonio Cromartie parlayed the consistent pressure from Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips into 10 interceptions. This unit played stellar football despite the fact that All-Pro lineman Luis Castillo missed six games because of injury. Cromartie and Quentin Jammer will be joined by Thorpe Award winner Antoine Cason, who also excels in the return game. He'll be paired with backup tailback Darren Sproles to form one of the most explosive return combinations in the game. With one of the highest-scoring offenses in the game (fifth) and superior special teams will put this unit in position to dominate once again.